New York Mets outfielder Church headed to Houston for injury rehab

MIAMI -- Ryan Church will head to Houston Thursday, instead of Port St. Lucie, Fla., to rehab.

The Mets' feeling is that Church needs to spend time with the team's medical staff so they can keep track of his progress. Church has dealt with the effects of the two concussions he suffered within an 11-week span this season, which most recently has included migraines. The Class-A St. Lucie Mets are also not playing at home Thursday night.

Despite the change in plans, neither Church nor the Mets considered this a setback.

"Truthfully, I'm glad I'm going with the team and the guys that know my situation, what's going on with me, know my routine," Church said to a pool reporter.

On Tuesday, Church worked out with the team and hit in the cage. While interim manager Jerry Manuel appeared impressed, he said it's impossible to factor how Church will fit in with the club going forward.

"I can not optimistically look for him to be what we had earlier just because I don't know enough about that," Manuel said. "We've had a number of setbacks in the past."

Originally, Church was going to play rehab games in Port St. Lucie. If all had gone well, he would have then rejoined the Mets.

But the plan was scrapped late. The Mets sent word of the change minutes before Wednesday night's game. Church left prior to first pitch to drive with his wife to Viera, Fla., where the couple has a home.

Luis Castillo is not guaranteed his starting spot at second base when he returns from injury, but Manuel feels Castillo will be motivated enough to reclaim it.

The veteran is rehabbing a hip-flexor injury in Port St. Lucie, and is at least a week or two away from returning. Damion Easley and Argenis Reyes have played well in Castillo's absence. When he returns, Manuel could have him share playing time with Easley, who is unable to play every day.

"I think Damion needs breaks here and there," Manuel said. "And I think this has been a real good thing for (Easley) to play consistently like he has. And he's performed extremely well. I think Luis will come back with a little more fire about him."

Castillo has not played since he went on the 15-day disabled list July 3.

John Maine will also rejoin the Mets in Houston today. Maine was in New York to receive an MRI on his right shoulder, which revealed a mild strain. Despite the delicate nature of such an injury, Manuel said there is a chance Maine could make his next start on Sunday. But since a pair of off days allows the Mets to play with the rotation, it's unlikely.

Before he comes to that conclusion, Manuel said he would need to see if Maine can throw Friday.

"From what I understand, if he picks up a ball (tomorrow) and feels good, they feel it's not necessary to miss that (start)," Manuel said. "But that spot is still to be determined, or we might just back him up because we have the flexibility there."

Pedro Martinez might have a higher pitch count Friday night than what the Mets previously said. The original plan was for Martinez, who is making his first start in three weeks because of a groin injury and his father's death, to throw around 80 pitches. Manuel said yesterday that Martinez may be able to go higher than that. 